Gelephu International Airport Welcomes First Wave of Overseas Passengers
Drukair records 64 passengers in the first month of its new Gelephu–Kolkata service, improving medical referrals and regional connectivity as Bhutan prepares for Gelephu Mindfulness City expansion.
Bhutan’s national carrier, Drukair, has recorded a modest but promising start to its newest international connection between Gelephu and Kolkata.
In the first month of operations, 38 passengers travelled from Gelephu to Kolkata, while an additional 26 passengers flew in the opposite direction, marking the early stages of cross-border air connectivity from Bhutan’s southern gateway.
Twice-Weekly Scheduled Flights
Since December 12, Drukair has been operating two scheduled commercial flights per week between the two cities, every Monday and Friday. The service departs from Gelephu International Airport, signalling the airport’s growing role in Bhutan’s aviation landscape.
Officials say the introduction of this route is aimed not only at improving access but also at raising public awareness about the expanding connectivity options available from Gelephu.
Direct Medical Referrals to India
One of the immediate benefits of the new route has been improved medical access. Patients can now be referred directly from Gelephu to Kolkata without having to travel overland to other Indian airports.
According to the Ministry of Health, Bhutan recorded 1,244 overseas patient referrals in the fiscal year 2024–2025. The direct air link is expected to ease travel for patients and their families, particularly those residing in southern Bhutan.
Previously, travellers from the Gelephu region had to depart from Guwahati or Bagdogra for international connections. The new route eliminates that additional leg of travel, offering greater convenience and efficiency.
Early Tourism Movement
In its first month of international operations, Gelephu International Airport also welcomed eight tourists. While modest in number, the figure represents an encouraging start as authorities position Gelephu as a future tourism and investment hub.
Drukair is currently working closely with the Department of Tourism to promote the region ahead of the full rollout of the Gelephu Mindfulness City initiative.
Expansion Plans Linked to GMC Vision
Once the Gelephu Mindfulness City (GMC) becomes fully operational, Drukair plans to significantly expand its international network. The airline intends to extend services to the Far East and Europe, while increasing flight frequencies to Southeast Asia and the Middle East.
To support this expansion, Drukair is set to modernise its fleet. On July 22 last year, the airline signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airbus to acquire three A320neo and two A321XLR (Extra Long Range) aircraft. The new-generation fleet will enable longer routes and greater passenger capacity, positioning Bhutan for broader global connectivity.
Strong Passenger Movement at Paro
Meanwhile, Drukair continues to record strong passenger traffic at Paro International Airport. The airline reported 111,451 inbound passengers to Paro and 114,634 outbound passengers.
Of the total traffic, 53,619 were foreign nationals, while 16,093 were nationals from South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) countries.
As Bhutan gradually strengthens its aviation infrastructure, the Gelephu–Kolkata service reflects a strategic step towards diversifying entry points beyond Paro and preparing the kingdom for its next chapter of international engagement.
